So Heart Warming, Amazing Voice along with the artwork of video production the music was a blessing. :) Speaking of your history and sharing, with the grace of reaching out to family. Almost having a tear. Lots of love to all subjects. I'm up late not able to sleep, searching for Machine Shops History, I'm aware of a local antique belt machine shop, restore, open to public and just to educate others. A chance to support old small town. :)
While watching this video I thought about Mr Pete and how this videos story mirrored Mr Petes life in several ways and lo and behold Mr Pete was mentioned in the credits...
I too was a victim of the greatly failed experiment of MODERN MATH !! Thrown in with the fact my math teachers in high school were as boring as paint drying, it took me longer than normal to get decent in mathematics. Seeking the best referred instructors while in college helped a lot. My history sounds just like yours! My greatest influence in becoming a journeyman machinist and electronics tech etc. was my high school shop teacher - Fred Randolph. God rest his soull! He was always a great lifelong friend and many of his former students would always come back and visit him over the years at Avonworth High School. I liked your video, well done! (I'm 69) 73's W3BUW
As a 70 year old retired manual machinist of 38 plus years cranking handles.....this has to be the greatest video I have ever seen. What a gift to have those men in your life.
I am humbled by your praise. I know they are all watching me and appreciate your comments-- AND ALL THE INCREDIBLE OTHER COMMENTS-- as well. Thank you.
Probably the best thing I’ve ever seen on TH-cam! Retired now, I spent 41 years in a Southern Railway/Norfolk Southern Ry. freight car repair shop after completing a 3 year apprenticeship. I always loved my job, but I can guarantee you that the railroad world your family grew up in no longer exists in any way shape or form! You should be very proud of your family’s story and work ethic! Thanks for a fascinating story!
That is a very kind comment. Thank you. I spent a long time following the Santa Fe as a modeler, railfan and author. What BNSF did to a wonderful railroad is unfathomable. Still, things change as technology advances. It doesn't take the vast numbers of people to run trains and keep them running like it used to. I guess we could say the romance is gone but the need is still there! Not sure that came out right!!!! Thanks again.
Tom T-wow-41 yrs, I’m working on 17yrs with little over 13 yrs to go as a Signal Maintainer at CSX. I can’t imagine the changes you have seen over your career as it has changed a lot since I’ve been out here. Hope you are enjoying your retirement.
@@ashleywynn4923 Good machinist never retire, we just slow down a little. I retired and am putting in more hours in now than I did working. ! Seems nobody wants to learn a trade anymore.
After 3 years of High School Machine Shop, I went through the Federal Apprenticeship program in Tool & Die Making, finishing in 1971 and retiring in 2015. I think it's a tremendous dis service to our country that by in large, the program is on life support. I really enjoyed the tribute to your family. Very moving!
While I agree the program is on life support, it is starting to come back to life. I have two apprentices going just starting a new Tool and Die program at my company. They have already completed their CNC Machinist Journeymen program. Good machinists are hard to find right now, so we are forced to create them again. Slowly it will get there.
Yep, the powers that be decided you are worthless without a degree, now look around at all the worthless degrees along with decimated manufacturing infrastructure, trade schools and apprenticeship programs as a result of outsourcing meaningful jobs to China and other 3rd world counties. As if everyone can simply be web and software designers sitting at a computer console making $100K salaries. Our leaders along with corporate America have really done a number on this country in the name of greed/power, I hate to be pessimistic, but at 63, I don't see it coming back in my lifetime.
Graduated from a great Vo Tech school in 1970 for industry electricity. Graduated on a Friday night, Saturday went to Sears for a few tools then started a 6 day a week job. A 50 person machine shop that I used to do electrical work for could not get skilled workers about 15 years ago even though they paid good & had a terrific profit sharing plan. They ended up hiring some European machinists who spoke little English but were very dependable workers. At a local high school they closed down one of the large machine shop rooms and put in basketball hoops.Disappointing how many young American kids do not want to learn a trade.
Brought a small tear to my eye. My granddad was a welder foreman at the Dutch Drydock Company in north Amsterdam through WW2 until the sixties. Lovely family history that carries that familiar smell of freshly cut steel and cutting oil.
Thank you very much. Glad it brought back fond memories. Check out the other videos featuring my oil pioneer grandfather and his father a pioneer Texas photographer!
@@Radiotexas great, maybe it is also that I am appproaching 60 , and am not alltogether pleased how society is turning out. I am turning into an old man yelling on his lawn (my son tells me..) Life was harder back then , no denying that, but people used a different set of values I am sure🤔
Journeyman mechanic here, retired now and have to say thank you! I imagine feeling the history when you hold and use a hundred year old caliper or micrometer that was owned & used by your Pop! It brings a tear to my eyes! Edit; My goodness what a wealth of family history, you're so fortunate to have such a collection of personal visual and written works!
Im 64 and this is one of the best old school stories ive ever heard in my life. Your fathers career was just amazing, nothing stopped him no matter what bad times may have dished out he was educated, inventive, creative, a teacher and so much more. I SO enjoyed your fathers story, the kind of man America would be hard pressed to produce today, God bless him.
I‘m close to 60 now and my father was very impatient in that time between „starting to tear apart for educational purposes“ and „putting together to be fully functioning again“. Now I have a 1y grandson and hope to give something of that to the next generations. You never have enough patience with your own kid, so you have to wait until you are a grandparent.
I enjoyed hearing your story. I am a high school industrial arts teacher. And I too enjoy teaching young people, just like your Pop. I was very close to my Dad. He was a machinist, carpenter, mechanic, and world class tinker. I followed in his footsteps. Sadly we lost Dad December 2nd 2023. I think about him often when I am working in my shop spaces, remembering the lessons he taught me with so much kindness and patients. I see so few people place value in craftsmanship and hands on skills. It breaks my heart to see what this nation is becoming.
When i was a young lad my parents would take me to placeville ca. There along the hwy was a steam train, i think it was a 2-4-2 coal fired unit. My dad let me work on his projects. Now that my parents are in heaven, i enjoy the time spent with them. God bless you my friend.
Hello, Mr. Miller: It is not every day that one is willing to listen to another family's history. However Your exceptional story impressed upon me the value of passing knowledge on to the next generation. Thank you, sir. Bob Choderker
Thank you for your video of your family life history, it was vary interesting and enlightening. My family roots go back to South Dakota around 1900 in that my grandfather was a homesteader in Revillo , South Dakota. He plowed the fields with horses originally then with steam powered tractors. No modern conveniences on the farm and no Goverment handouts. If the crops didn’t come in , they starved. Over time after WW2 my father got into the wholesale farm machinery business. First with Massey Harris Corporation, then J. I. Case. My dad’s favorite saying was and I repeat it in any conversation I can; In life theirs no free lunch, somebody somewhere is paying the freight. I’m a retired heavy duty diesel mechanic and OTR truck driver. As my dad always said once you get iron in your blood, you can’t get it out.
Gosh, that is so true!!! My family were, cobblers, harness makers, tool and die makers, electrical engineers of magnetos and small motors and cabinet makers. I’m never far away from my tools and love all things mechanical. It’s an odd thing for sure, like a tool just fits in your hand and there is comfort in your mind as you work with it. I am the same around livestock too, especially cattle and horses. Funny how they can know you and pick up a scent of trust. Life is truly amazing. Loved your comments.
Thank you so much. You are a Master Craftsman as well as video producer. I was a Journeyman Electrician for 40 years and enjoyed every minute, well most of them. It’s really sad, all the skills we have lost in this country. Years ago, we would repair things that today we throw away. I remember growing up in the 1950’s and helping my dad build things. We would save old 2x4’s pull the nails, reuse the wood, straighten the nails and reuse them. Today we level a building and haul it to a land fill. Huge waste of wood and nails. Thanks for sharing your family’s story and your’s. God Bless you brother. Gary
My grandfather was a structural steel welder for the railroad. He did alot of bridge work. He was a lot of the reasons why I got into different crafts. I remember being in his basement shop building birdhouses and the like when I was just a little kid. Every birthday and Christmas I always got presents of tools. Some where new but some where ones that had belonged to him. He's been gone almost 30 years but I still have every tool I got from him. Most reside in storage unused but some still get used frequently. I understand exactly how you feel.
What an amazin story. Very well told. My Grandfather said it best. " Teach someone, anyone something you know. Because when you leave this earth, No matter how much you know, it all goes with you in the box when you are gone" God bless
Excellent historical story with the personal touch that our society so desperately needs now. Thanks for a very well done and educational presentation. You are an excellent example for us to follow. w1cvw
To still have those tools is priceless. What a great story from the past! I repaired papermill rolls for about four years until I went to work at a local jobshop and retired from there in 2020. I enjoyed the work even the not so desirable jobs that came along. Made a good living and retired from there in 2020. I started researching my family members after retiring and found out that both of my great grandfathers were both machinist and one had several patents.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful shopwork and work profession - As a retired invalid who is now able work in his own designed and built shop - i can still dream about yesterday - thank you for not letting my life die, May God truly bless you
Your 22-minute video will generate hours of thoughts, reflections, and conversation among myself, brothers, and nephew. Your family’s mastery and respect for craft and its continuation is wonderfully demonstrated in your creation and sharing of this video. THANK YOU!
In 1953, I became an electrical engineering student at Illinois Institute of Technology as a "Co-op Student" with Whiting Corporation in Harvey, Illinois. The periods I spent at the Whiting factory were similar to the industrial apprenticeship programs of which you speak in your video. The experience I was privileged to enjoy with the machinists and other men at Whiting were invaluable to me throughout my life. We need more of these time - tested and proven training programs.
What amazing tribute to your family's history! Much respect for all of their contributions to our country. Very positive role models. Thank you for sharing your story Sir.
An absolutely beautiful, well written, piece on your family. You are to be congratulated . I’m 79 years old born at the height of WWII. My father was absent from our lives for many years after the war and when I my grandfather came home from the war with severe ‘shell shock’ (now called PTSD) his alcoholism destroyed our family but not before he taught me his cabinet making skills. I worked ,first as an aircraft mechanic, then a professional pilot. Since retiring I have been teaching myself metal machine skills. Alas, not ONE of my four children, nor my eight grandchildren or my five great grandchildren are interested in aviation, woodworking or machining. You must be so proud, sir.
Thank you for your kind comments Rex. I have one grandson.. he is one year old. I hope and pray he will take to the shop. I have him out here all they time and he hears the machines and smells the smells. Believe it or not there are lost of young folks involved... only they call them "makers," not machinists. I've helped out a few kids and some of their projects are extremely involved and very well done.
HI MR. MILLER, I LOVED THIS VIDEO ON YOUR FAMILY AND YOU, YOU REALLY TUGGED AT MY HEART STRINGS ON YOUR CLOSING STATEMENT, THE WORLD SHOULD HAVE MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU !!! JOE FROM JERSEY.
I have so much enjoied your video. As a working Cabinetmaker for 48 years and still am. It is so nice to hear this story of other craftsmen. It is very rare to find a craftsmen in any trade today. Thank you.
Well done my friend !! we were lucky to have caring, loving Grandparents that taught us valuable life lessons & crafts. Many of the young people today are not so lucky.
They were all part of a generation we will probably never see again in my lifetime. I was raised by great men and women and I have the work ethic to prove it. Sadly that has been lost on subsequent generations. At 53, I'm retiring on disability from law enforcement and looking at classes in welding and machining at our local vo-tech school. I'll never quit learning and working. Somehow. Best of luck to you my friend
Excellent advice at the end of a fascinating Family history made possible by the Family sticking together and not scattered all over the Country. My Grandson lives 800 miles away which is a gut wrenching reality. So much to share, so little time. Not possible via the Internet
My father had Miller business card. He smiled when I found it. Was cleaning up his machine shop office area. So wild. He had pasted few years back. Amazing😱🤓⚒🛠🔧🔩⚙⚖🗜🧰⛓🔬thank you for this is what sharing ❤ 💜 💖 you tube 🙏 😀
Thank you very much, Mr. Miller. For each comment on this page, I'll bet there are 10 others who are grateful as well. Some folks just don't write. 🇺🇸 😎👍☕
My Grandfather worked for Charles Lindburg and TAT ,I remember him discussing the airplane crash 1929.or there abouts It really bothered him up to his final days. Charles wife gave him a heart shaped stone, that was from Charles grave. Watching this video helped me remember these discussions I had with my GF back around 1970. Thanks for the memories.
I grew up in a "blue collar" neighborhood full of old man. They where impressive carpenter's, boat builders, welders/fitters, loggers, shrimpers. Always doing something and happy.
Fantastic video! You are so fortunate to have all of the family photos and tools from your Dad and Pops. The 22 minutes of the video passed like it was 5 minutes, I was so enthralled by it.
This is a Great story of young men that DID things, learned trades, became proficient in them and shared their knowledge with others. I feel that most people lack the skills to change a tire themselves now.
Very well done and I must say I am a Miller as well, And would like to thank my own Father Edward C.Miller for instilling in me the knowledge and abilities that have carried me through these 62-1/2 years of my life. He’s still alive and Kicking at 94 years old and was a tool & die maker, a jig & fixture machinist, and later after working on the Atlas rocket projects in the 1960’s went on to become a layout man in the Ship building industry here in San Diego at almost all of the local shipyards of the times. After retiring from Nassco he went on to do work for the Navy Drug Lab , setting up their drug testing lab computer system log to help streamline the test results better . Thanks for posting this video of your family history and letting me pay some respects here about my own father as well. I became a master mechanic & machinist myself , and must say I very much enjoyed your family’s history as it runs somewhat along same lines as mine. I have most of my father’s tools & tool boxes as well & eventually will inherit his 1957 model Craftsman Shopsmith 😊. I’m in no rush to get it and I’m sure once he passes on I will keep it to give someday hopefully to one of my 3 grandsons. Many memories making things with my Dad that I would love to share with my own.
Well done sir! Having grown up on a 5th generation farm in central IL I saw many examples of the WW1 and WW2 generation’s abilities. Simple, strong and highly capable men who rarely complained and always… ALWAYS… led by example. Industrious, ingenious, determined, faithful men of their word. Bravo Mr. Miller …Bravo! Well done.
I must say that's a beautiful story, role that fathers and grandfathers play in raising children is not to be underestimated. I'm glad that Mr. Pete mentioned you in his latest video and I found your channel that way.
Mechanical skills such as yours are vastly underrated and most of the general population knows nothing about how things are made. My Grandfather, four of my Great Uncles, and my Dad all worked for Southern Railways. They were Boilermakers and Machinists. My Dad started work there in 1938 (25 years old) as a Blacksmith. As the Blacksmith worked slowed, he was a Machinist Apprentice, working up to Journeyman after 7 years. I worked as a Machinist for over 40 years in the Aerospace and Defense industries and also worked in the Foundry for several years. Sadly, these are dying trades. I passed this video to several friends as well as my Wife and Children. You explain and show these skills much better than I can tell them about. These skills and many other blue collar trades are what built this country and brought us to victory in two World Wars.
A great family story. I also have been blessed to work with my hands and mind. And now being old, it makes me sad to see where America is now. I pray for America every day.
@@Radiotexas I too learned "on the job" with dad, uncle,& grandpa. I'm just starting to get my shop set up. I'd rather fix/restore older stuff. Who can afford new plastic junk.
That is an amazing story told by a dedicated engineer. It reminds me of how I was enthralled by mechanical things when I was very young and went on to become a mechanic / engineer. What a pity the young ones of today do not share the enthusiasm of skilled trade like we did
My grandson is not quite two and already he knows the sounds and smells of my shop! Check out the other videos featuring my oil pioneer grandfather and his father a pioneer Texas photographer!
Very nice tribute to your father. I too have my father's lathe and measuring instruments also his steam engine collection. Every day these things remind me of him. So lucky to have had a good relationship with him.
FANTASTIC move! This showed up in my recommended videos, after watching The feller from New York that has the steam powered machine shop, Dave Richards. I 100% agree that we need to all do our part to hand down our knowledge & wisdom to the next generation(s), providing they are willing to absorb what we are trying to learn them. It DOESN'T only have to be kinfolk that we hand it to. I learnt some of the most memorable things from older friends I knew. Older as in I was 16(ish) at that time & they were 70(ish) at the time they handed over those morsels of knowledge.
TROUBLE IS KIDS TODAY DON,T GIVE A DAM, JUST AS LONG AS THEY GOT THEIR SMART PHONES AND VIDEO GAMES ALL FROM USC UNITED STATES OF "CHINA" !!...PEOPLE OF TODAY ARE PAMPERED,SPOILD AND SOFT ALL WITH NO COMMON SENSE !!
Great historical family story, your history & what your story is about is the direction this country should be going, if it was, we wouldn't be in the mess we are in...God Bless you!! thank you for sharing!!
Your father was a national treasure. Bless you and all those generations of your family. These people made this great nation, long hours and hard work. God bless America!
What a heart felt tribute to your family and all they accomplished. I don't know you, but I suspect the finest thing they did was raise a son that appreciates all that his predecessors did for him, his family , and country. Thank you for sharing your story, especially how it relates to events in history. Take care. Keep the spindles turning.
You Sir, are one fortunate man - with both grandpas alive and guiding you towards your trade, I missed out with both my Grandpas, (being the last child of four didn`t help I guess but I always thought something was missing when I was growing up). Like you I was mechanically - inclined from an early age, with my Dad`s lawn mower being the first object to be stripped down, my older brother noticed and laughed - "I hope you remember how it goes back together" - NO, well there goes my weekly allowance for the next year - to pay the bill when Dad had it fixed, I shared your passion for home tinkering (and a lot more in your case) - Thank you for sharing !.
This Family and their journey is what makes the America the World has come to admire. Please nurture this gift of intelligence and of industry, for all our sakes.
My father taught me the Tool and Die trade. I’m 66 and still design and build today having been owner of my own shop for 37 years and now working for one of my old customers. I too am Blessed to have been taught this and serving my apprenticeship in my dads tool die shop. He served his apprenticeship at the Pennsylvania Rail Road Juniata Shop.. I could go on and on. I have personally apprenticed 5 men to become Journeyman and have taught more than 40-50 in my career.. a Blessing.. I’d like to say that it’s nice to see a Jack of all Trades here and quite honestly a master of most..great video for all you cnc operators.. we Journeymen are a dying breed… it’s a shame..By the way… one of my best Apprentices name is Jason Miller.. how bout that?
1:55 That Craftsman Tool Chest is the exact same model(s) I have. Used it as a machinist chest for last 35 years or so. Been a machinist my whole life. Started as a tool makers apprentice at 17 making tools and dies for jewelry chain machines. It's provided a descent living over the decades. I suppose this old man forgot more than most will ever know. Good stuff Sir!
I'm an engineering technologist I'm jack of all trades and master of electronics, I have enjoyed this video. More over your family history is very rich I liked your father's picture with your grandmom very beautiful baby boy. My father way born in 1925 and my date of birth is 1957, I have two sons both are engineers.
I never met my Grandfather on my dadsside and I regret that. But Grandad on Moms side I knew quiet well for many years. My Dad was a Master Mechanic what he knew and I retired from a very sucessful Garage which he and I owned. Yes family is where you came from. Mr Miller you are quiet a knowledgeable man. Be blessed at you accomplishments as I am mine.
You are a fortunate man and what a great legacy you possess. I also have a few tools from my grandpa and from his son, my Uncle Bob a retired tool n die man, that I treasure.
This is the best video I think I have ever watched. I have my grandfathers big ballpeen hammer. I think of him - wielder, farmer, mine worker, 1st generation American - every time I use it.
What a wonderful tribute to a family history of gifted tradesmen. Even down here in Australia we are lamenting the loss of the skilled artisans of the past as we move towards this AI enriched debacle of todays society. As a 16 yr old I secured a trade apprenticeship with the Air Force (RAAF) and instead pursued a career in law enforcement. It has bee my biggest regret. Fortunately I became a Forensic Firearms Specialist and worked closely with the Police Armoury where I met some elderly machinists who were craftsmen in every respect. Now in my retirement I am building up a workshop of machinery and, with the aid of TH-cam, self training myself the skills I once held in awe. I am putting those skills to work restoring classic motorcycles. 'Retiring and going back to work' is the key to longevity in later life, some of the machinists from the armoury still working from home and well into their 80's now. Thankyou Mr Miller for reminding me that even when it all seems overwhelming, we never cease to learn, and giving me another shot in the arm of motivation. 👍
So Heart Warming, Amazing Voice along with the artwork of video production the music was a blessing. :)
Speaking of your history and sharing, with the grace of reaching out to family. Almost having a tear. Lots of love to all subjects. I'm up late not able to sleep, searching for Machine Shops History, I'm aware of a local antique belt machine shop, restore, open to public and just to educate others. A chance to support old small town. :)
Thank you so much!
While watching this video I thought about Mr Pete and how this videos story mirrored Mr Petes life in several ways and lo and behold Mr Pete was mentioned in the credits...
Mr. Pete is a good friend and an inspiration to us all! Thanks for your comment!
Perhaps one of the most rewarding and enjoyable 22 minutes I had in a very long time!
Thank you so much. You are very kind.
..Yes.. Me too.
Thanks for that lovely tale. Thanks for putting it together.
Ditto!
What an incredible family history told by a gifted storyteller. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it.... I don't know about "gifted" but I have been known to really spin a few!!!!
@@Radiotexas ikllm
@@Radiotexas ooh pool with short can I come olio job is a little hook up and oookooooooo
That was a wonderful video. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you very much!
I too was a victim of the greatly failed experiment of MODERN MATH !! Thrown in with the fact my math teachers in high school were as boring as paint drying, it took me longer than normal to get decent in mathematics. Seeking the best referred instructors while in college helped a lot. My history sounds just like yours! My greatest influence in becoming a journeyman machinist and electronics tech etc. was my high school shop teacher - Fred Randolph. God rest his soull! He was always a great lifelong friend and many of his former students would always come back and visit him over the years at Avonworth High School.
I liked your video, well done! (I'm 69) 73's W3BUW
One apple plus six bananas equals one grape..... except on odd numbered Tuesdays! And we wonder how Windows got started!!!!
As a 70 year old retired manual machinist of 38 plus years cranking handles.....this has to be the greatest video I have ever seen. What a gift to have those men in your life.
I am humbled by your praise. I know they are all watching me and appreciate your comments-- AND ALL THE INCREDIBLE OTHER COMMENTS-- as well. Thank you.
Probably the best thing I’ve ever seen on TH-cam! Retired now, I spent 41 years in a Southern Railway/Norfolk Southern Ry. freight car repair shop after completing a 3 year apprenticeship. I always loved my job, but I can guarantee you that the railroad world your family grew up in no longer exists in any way shape or form! You should be very proud of your family’s story and work ethic! Thanks for a fascinating story!
That is a very kind comment. Thank you. I spent a long time following the Santa Fe as a modeler, railfan and author. What BNSF did to a wonderful railroad is unfathomable. Still, things change as technology advances. It doesn't take the vast numbers of people to run trains and keep them running like it used to. I guess we could say the romance is gone but the need is still there! Not sure that came out right!!!! Thanks again.
Tom T-wow-41 yrs, I’m working on 17yrs with little over 13 yrs to go as a Signal Maintainer at CSX. I can’t imagine the changes you have seen over your career as it has changed a lot since I’ve been out here. Hope you are enjoying your retirement.
@@ashleywynn4923 Good machinist never retire, we just slow down a little. I retired and am putting in more hours in now than I did working. ! Seems nobody wants to learn a trade anymore.
After 3 years of High School Machine Shop, I went through the Federal Apprenticeship program in Tool & Die Making, finishing in 1971 and retiring in 2015. I think it's a tremendous dis service to our country that by in large, the program is on life support. I really enjoyed the tribute to your family. Very moving!
I totally agree. Thank you for your kind comments.
While I agree the program is on life support, it is starting to come back to life. I have two apprentices going just starting a new Tool and Die program at my company. They have already completed their CNC Machinist Journeymen program. Good machinists are hard to find right now, so we are forced to create them again. Slowly it will get there.
Yep, the powers that be decided you are worthless without a degree, now look around at all the worthless degrees along with decimated manufacturing infrastructure, trade schools and apprenticeship programs as a result of outsourcing meaningful jobs to China and other 3rd world counties. As if everyone can simply be web and software designers sitting at a computer console making $100K salaries. Our leaders along with corporate America have really done a number on this country in the name of greed/power, I hate to be pessimistic, but at 63, I don't see it coming back in my lifetime.
Yes TD it is a crime that industrial arts in high school has all but vanished.
The greatest minds are nothing without someone to build it.
Graduated from a great Vo Tech school in 1970 for industry electricity. Graduated on a Friday night, Saturday went to Sears for a few tools then started a 6 day a week job. A 50 person machine shop that I used to do electrical work for could not get skilled workers about 15 years ago even though they paid good & had a terrific profit sharing plan. They ended up hiring some European machinists who spoke little English but were very dependable workers. At a local high school they closed down one of the large machine shop rooms and put in basketball hoops.Disappointing how many young American kids do not want to learn a trade.
Kim Azbell said it as good as anyone could! Thank you for sharing!
Brought a small tear to my eye. My granddad was a welder foreman at the Dutch Drydock Company in north Amsterdam through WW2 until the sixties. Lovely family history that carries that familiar smell of freshly cut steel and cutting oil.
Thank you very much. Glad it brought back fond memories. Check out the other videos featuring my oil pioneer grandfather and his father a pioneer Texas photographer!
@@Radiotexas great, maybe it is also that I am appproaching 60 , and am not alltogether pleased how society is turning out. I am turning into an old man yelling on his lawn (my son tells me..)
Life was harder back then , no denying that, but people used a different set of values I am sure🤔
Granddad worked with the Nazis then , no choice
@@eddiekulp1241 I think you are trying to be offensive, better use that energy to look up "The february strike"
Journeyman mechanic here, retired now and have to say thank you! I imagine feeling the history when you hold and use a hundred year old caliper or micrometer that was owned & used by your Pop! It brings a tear to my eyes! Edit; My goodness what a wealth of family history, you're so fortunate to have such a collection of personal visual and written works!
Nearly every day. I know he would be tickled pink with the video. Thanks!
I thought the same as Mr. Adams.
We are brothers.....!
Very moving, I sure hope a large majority of men get a chance to watch this video.
I made it for my grandson. You'd be surprised though at how many women watched it (TH-cam analytics are very thorough). Thanks very much!
Thanks for allowing us to share your memories. It is a riveting presentation with a message for all.
What a wonderful story. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
wow! the old man had quite a life!!! super cool!
Indeed he did! Check out the other videos featuring my oil pioneer grandfather and his father a pioneer Texas photographer!
Im 64 and this is one of the best old school stories ive ever heard in my life. Your fathers career was just amazing, nothing stopped him no matter what bad times may have dished out he was educated, inventive, creative, a teacher and so much more. I SO enjoyed your fathers story, the kind of man America would be hard pressed to produce today, God bless him.
It was my grandfather. Thanks so much for your very thoughtful and kind comments!
We need machine shop training in school again !
Amen to that!
I‘m close to 60 now and my father was very impatient in that time between „starting to tear apart for educational purposes“ and „putting together to be fully functioning again“.
Now I have a 1y grandson and hope to give something of that to the next generations.
You never have enough patience with your own kid, so you have to wait until you are a grandparent.
People like your ancestors made this country great thank you and your family 👍❤️
Thank you for your very generous comments Jeff.
I can say nothing more than "Well done"!
Thank you!
Another journeyman here. Thank you for sharing this wonderful heritage of a craft that has served humanity so very well.
Wonderful. If we don't pass it down, who will? You were Blessed.
I remember that Miller logo. Thank you. Truly an era of highly skilled working MEN.
I enjoyed hearing your story. I am a high school industrial arts teacher. And I too enjoy teaching young people, just like your Pop. I was very close to my Dad. He was a machinist, carpenter, mechanic, and world class tinker. I followed in his footsteps. Sadly we lost Dad December 2nd 2023. I think about him often when I am working in my shop spaces, remembering the lessons he taught me with so much kindness and patients. I see so few people place value in craftsmanship and hands on skills. It breaks my heart to see what this nation is becoming.
Thanks! Check out Mr. Pete sometime! @mrpete222 He's a retired shop teacher as well.
When i was a young lad my parents would take me to placeville ca. There along the hwy was a steam train, i think it was a 2-4-2 coal fired unit. My dad let me work on his projects. Now that my parents are in heaven, i enjoy the time spent with them. God bless you my friend.
Thank you ... doing my best with my grandchildren as well.
Hello, Mr. Miller:
It is not every day that one is willing to listen to another family's history. However Your exceptional story impressed upon me the value of passing knowledge on to the next generation. Thank you, sir.
Bob Choderker
Thank you Bob. Appreciate your kind words!
Thank you for your video of your family life history, it was vary interesting and enlightening. My family roots go back to South Dakota around 1900 in that my grandfather was a homesteader in Revillo , South Dakota. He plowed the fields with horses originally then with steam powered tractors. No modern conveniences on the farm and no Goverment handouts. If the crops didn’t come in , they starved. Over time after WW2 my father got into the wholesale farm machinery business. First with Massey Harris Corporation, then J. I. Case. My dad’s favorite saying was and I repeat it in any conversation I can; In life theirs no free lunch, somebody somewhere is paying the freight. I’m a retired heavy duty diesel mechanic and OTR truck driver. As my dad always said once you get iron in your blood, you can’t get it out.
Amen! Wiser words were never spoken! Thanks!
Gosh, that is so true!!! My family were, cobblers, harness makers, tool and die makers, electrical engineers of magnetos and small motors and cabinet makers. I’m never far away from my tools and love all things mechanical. It’s an odd thing for sure, like a tool just fits in your hand and there is comfort in your mind as you work with it. I am the same around livestock too, especially cattle and horses. Funny how they can know you and pick up a scent of trust. Life is truly amazing. Loved your comments.
Well done sir. thank you
So nice of you
very well done! thank you!...you leave a legacy for future generations!
Wow, thank you!
Thank you so much.
You are a Master Craftsman as well as video producer.
I was a Journeyman Electrician for 40 years and enjoyed every minute, well most of them.
It’s really sad, all the skills we have lost in this country.
Years ago, we would repair things that today we throw away.
I remember growing up in the 1950’s and helping my dad build things.
We would save old 2x4’s pull the nails, reuse the wood, straighten the nails and reuse them.
Today we level a building and haul it to a land fill.
Huge waste of wood and nails.
Thanks for sharing your family’s story and your’s.
God Bless you brother.
Gary
Jay, your video brought me to tears. What a phenomenal story. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Mack!
My grandfather was a structural steel welder for the railroad. He did alot of bridge work. He was a lot of the reasons why I got into different crafts. I remember being in his basement shop building birdhouses and the like when I was just a little kid. Every birthday and Christmas I always got presents of tools. Some where new but some where ones that had belonged to him. He's been gone almost 30 years but I still have every tool I got from him. Most reside in storage unused but some still get used frequently.
I understand exactly how you feel.
Appreciate your comments and the good wishes. My grandson is only 5 months old but I'm already building things for him!
Some memories are just pure gold. Thanks for the very inciteful story.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your kind comment.
What an amazin story. Very well told. My Grandfather said it best. " Teach someone, anyone something you know. Because when you leave this earth, No matter how much you know, it all goes with you in the box when you are gone" God bless
Excellent historical story with the personal touch that our society so desperately needs now. Thanks for a very well done and educational presentation. You are an excellent example for us to follow. w1cvw
Thanks Clem; you are so correct!
I'm blushing. Thank you for your kind comments. Check out the photo history video as well... other side of the family.
To still have those tools is priceless. What a great story from the past! I repaired papermill rolls for about four years until I went to work at a local jobshop and retired from there in 2020. I enjoyed the work even the not so desirable jobs that came along. Made a good living and retired from there in 2020. I started researching my family members after retiring and found out that both of my great grandfathers were both machinist and one had several patents.
Very cool story of your family history Thanks Jay.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you for sharing your wonderful shopwork and work profession - As a retired invalid who is now able work in his own designed and built shop - i can still dream about yesterday - thank you for not letting my life die, May God truly bless you
You are very kind. Thank you!
Your 22-minute video will generate hours of thoughts, reflections, and conversation among myself, brothers, and nephew.
Your family’s mastery and respect for craft and its continuation is wonderfully demonstrated in your creation and sharing of this video.
THANK YOU!
Wow, thank you! Check out the other videos featuring my oil pioneer grandfather and his father a pioneer Texas photographer!
@@Radiotexas Will Do!!
This video was wonderful. A real treat to watch.
Thank you for inviting all of us into your family.
You are so kind, thank you.
In 1953, I became an electrical engineering student at Illinois Institute of Technology as a "Co-op Student" with Whiting Corporation in Harvey, Illinois. The periods I spent at the Whiting factory were similar to the industrial apprenticeship programs of which you speak in your video. The experience I was privileged to enjoy with the machinists and other men at Whiting were invaluable to me throughout my life. We need more of these time - tested and proven training programs.
What amazing tribute to your family's history! Much respect for all of their contributions to our country. Very positive role models. Thank you for sharing your story Sir.
I cannot tell you how much I love this video. It reminds me of my father and grandfather.
An absolutely beautiful, well written, piece on your family. You are to be congratulated . I’m 79 years old born at the height of WWII. My father was absent from our lives for many years after the war and when I my grandfather came home from the war with severe ‘shell shock’ (now called PTSD) his alcoholism destroyed our family but not before he taught me his cabinet making skills. I worked ,first as an aircraft mechanic, then a professional pilot. Since retiring I have been teaching myself metal machine skills. Alas, not ONE of my four children, nor my eight grandchildren or my five great grandchildren are interested in aviation, woodworking or machining. You must be so proud, sir.
Thank you for your kind comments Rex. I have one grandson.. he is one year old. I hope and pray he will take to the shop. I have him out here all they time and he hears the machines and smells the smells. Believe it or not there are lost of young folks involved... only they call them "makers," not machinists. I've helped out a few kids and some of their projects are extremely involved and very well done.
HI MR. MILLER, I LOVED THIS VIDEO ON YOUR FAMILY AND YOU, YOU REALLY TUGGED AT MY HEART STRINGS ON YOUR CLOSING STATEMENT, THE WORLD SHOULD HAVE MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU !!! JOE FROM JERSEY.
I was just raised right. It wasn't easy and it's even more trying in today's world. Thank you.
I have so much enjoied your video. As a working Cabinetmaker for 48 years and still am. It is so nice to hear this story of other craftsmen. It is very rare to find a craftsmen in any trade today. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it! Check out the other videos featuring my oil pioneer grandfather and his father a pioneer Texas photographer!
Everyone should watch this ……. Quality, excellence, all the things missing in todays world. This made me a better person today!
I'm blushing. Thank you so much.
Well done my friend !! we were lucky to have caring, loving Grandparents that taught us valuable life lessons & crafts. Many of the young people today are not so lucky.
Thank you so much!
They were all part of a generation we will probably never see again in my lifetime. I was raised by great men and women and I have the work ethic to prove it. Sadly that has been lost on subsequent generations. At 53, I'm retiring on disability from law enforcement and looking at classes in welding and machining at our local vo-tech school. I'll never quit learning and working. Somehow. Best of luck to you my friend
Good attitude Joe! Thank you for your service!
Excellent advice at the end of a fascinating Family history made possible by the Family sticking together and not scattered all over the Country. My Grandson lives 800 miles away which is a gut wrenching reality. So much to share, so little time. Not possible via the Internet
My father had Miller business card. He smiled when I found it. Was cleaning up his machine shop office area. So wild. He had pasted few years back. Amazing😱🤓⚒🛠🔧🔩⚙⚖🗜🧰⛓🔬thank you for this is what sharing ❤ 💜 💖 you tube 🙏 😀
Was your family from Clovis?
Thank you very much, Mr. Miller. For each comment on this page, I'll bet there are 10 others who are grateful as well. Some folks just don't write. 🇺🇸 😎👍☕
My Grandfather worked for Charles Lindburg and TAT ,I remember him discussing the airplane crash 1929.or there abouts
It really bothered him up to his final days. Charles wife gave him a heart shaped stone, that was from Charles grave.
Watching this video helped me remember these discussions I had with my GF back around 1970.
Thanks for the memories.
Thank you for the comment and sidebar on your grandfather!
I grew up in a "blue collar" neighborhood full of old man. They where impressive carpenter's, boat builders, welders/fitters, loggers, shrimpers. Always doing something and happy.
Learn at the knees of the masters! Thanks!
Fantastic video! You are so fortunate to have all of the family photos and tools from your Dad and Pops. The 22 minutes of the video passed like it was 5 minutes, I was so enthralled by it.
You were a big part of it brother.
Fantastic video, brought tears to my old eyes, Cheers from Florida, Paul
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video, thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching! Appreciate your comment!
This is a Great story of young men that DID things, learned trades, became proficient in them and shared their knowledge with others. I feel that most people lack the skills to change a tire themselves now.
Thanks you very much! I do appreciate your comments.
You are a great storyteller. Thank you for sharing your family history.
Thanks for watching! I come from a long line of story tellers.... some true, some not so!!!
Very well done and I must say I am a Miller as well, And would like to thank my own Father Edward C.Miller for instilling in me the knowledge and abilities that have carried me through these 62-1/2 years of my life. He’s still alive and Kicking at 94 years old and was a tool & die maker, a jig & fixture machinist, and later after working on the Atlas rocket projects in the 1960’s went on to become a layout man in the Ship building industry here in San Diego at almost all of the local shipyards of the times. After retiring from Nassco he went on to do work for the Navy Drug Lab , setting up their drug testing lab computer system log to help streamline the test results better . Thanks for posting this video of your family history and letting me pay some respects here about my own father as well. I became a master mechanic & machinist myself , and must say I very much enjoyed your family’s history as it runs somewhat along same lines as mine. I have most of my father’s tools & tool boxes as well & eventually will inherit his 1957 model Craftsman Shopsmith 😊. I’m in no rush to get it and I’m sure once he passes on I will keep it to give someday hopefully to one of my 3 grandsons. Many memories making things with my Dad that I would love to share with my own.
Thanks for the story Stephen. Appreciate the info and your comment.
Well done sir! Having grown up on a 5th generation farm in central IL I saw many examples of the WW1 and WW2 generation’s abilities. Simple, strong and highly capable men who rarely complained and always… ALWAYS… led by example. Industrious, ingenious, determined, faithful men of their word. Bravo Mr. Miller …Bravo! Well done.
Thank you so much. Flyover country is where America will rise again!
I must say that's a beautiful story, role that fathers and grandfathers play in raising children is not to be underestimated. I'm glad that Mr. Pete mentioned you in his latest video and I found your channel that way.
Thank you very much! Mr. Pete is a good friend and by far the best there is the the world of machine shop!
Mechanical skills such as yours are vastly underrated and most of the general population knows nothing about how things are made. My Grandfather, four of my Great Uncles, and my Dad all worked for Southern Railways. They were Boilermakers and Machinists. My Dad started work there in 1938 (25 years old) as a Blacksmith. As the Blacksmith worked slowed, he was a Machinist Apprentice, working up to Journeyman after 7 years. I worked as a Machinist for over 40 years in the Aerospace and Defense industries and also worked in the Foundry for several years. Sadly, these are dying trades. I passed this video to several friends as well as my Wife and Children. You explain and show these skills much better than I can tell them about. These skills and many other blue collar trades are what built this country and brought us to victory in two World Wars.
A great family story. I also have been blessed to work with my hands and mind. And now being old, it makes me sad to see where America is now. I pray for America every day.
Fantastic. Loved every minute
Awesome, thank you!
@@Radiotexas I too learned "on the job" with dad, uncle,& grandpa. I'm just starting to get my shop set up. I'd rather fix/restore older stuff. Who can afford new plastic junk.
That is an amazing story told by a dedicated engineer. It reminds me of how I was enthralled by mechanical things when I was very young and went on to become a mechanic / engineer. What a pity the young ones of today do not share the enthusiasm of skilled trade like we did
My grandson is not quite two and already he knows the sounds and smells of my shop! Check out the other videos featuring my oil pioneer grandfather and his father a pioneer Texas photographer!
My dad was born in 1933. He would have loved this film. I’m sad that there aren’t these kinds of opportunities for young men now.
What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
These are the people that make a Nation great. All I can say to them is THANK YOU!!
And thank you for watching and your kind comment.
Beautiful!
Thank you!
Very nice tribute to your father. I too have my father's lathe and measuring instruments also his steam engine collection. Every day these things remind me of him. So lucky to have had a good relationship with him.
Thank you very much! I feel both my grandfathers are with me.
I am truly humbled watching these hard working, skilled and creative mens’ story.
Wow, thank you!
These are the people we should be looking up to.
FANTASTIC move! This showed up in my recommended videos, after watching The feller from New York that has the steam powered machine shop, Dave Richards.
I 100% agree that we need to all do our part to hand down our knowledge & wisdom to the next generation(s), providing they are willing to absorb what we are trying to learn them. It DOESN'T only have to be kinfolk that we hand it to. I learnt some of the most memorable things from older friends I knew. Older as in I was 16(ish) at that time & they were 70(ish) at the time they handed over those morsels of knowledge.
TROUBLE IS KIDS TODAY DON,T GIVE A DAM, JUST AS LONG AS THEY GOT THEIR SMART PHONES AND VIDEO GAMES ALL FROM USC UNITED STATES OF "CHINA" !!...PEOPLE OF TODAY ARE PAMPERED,SPOILD AND SOFT ALL WITH NO COMMON SENSE !!
Here's a man with good tools and a good story.
thank you .
God bless you and your family's.
What an amazing 22 minutes i ever seen, thank you very much for sharing!
Great historical family story, your history & what your story is about is the direction this country should be going, if it was, we wouldn't be in the mess we are in...God Bless you!! thank you for sharing!!
Your father was a national treasure. Bless you and all those generations of your family. These people made this great nation, long hours and hard work. God bless America!
GRANDFATHER. Thank you for your kind comments!
What a heart felt tribute to your family and all they accomplished.
I don't know you, but I suspect the finest thing they did was raise a son that appreciates all that his predecessors did for him, his family , and country.
Thank you for sharing your story, especially how it relates to events in history.
Take care. Keep the spindles turning.
I know they are all watching and we'll see each other again. Thank you so much.
I have my father's wood working equipment in my woodshop and I think of him every time I work in there.
Me to Joe! Thanks!
Thank you very much!
You Sir, are one fortunate man - with both grandpas alive and guiding you towards your trade, I missed out with both my Grandpas, (being the last child of four didn`t help I guess but I always thought something was missing when I was growing up). Like you I was mechanically - inclined from an early age, with my Dad`s lawn mower being the first object to be stripped down, my older brother noticed and laughed - "I hope you remember how it goes back together" - NO, well there goes my weekly allowance for the next year - to pay the bill when Dad had it fixed, I shared your passion for home tinkering (and a lot more in your case) - Thank you for sharing !.
Like they say, "you cant make an omelet without breaking some eggs!" We've all been there!
Thank you.
A glimpse into the America that was.
I do miss that America.
Bless you all.
This Family and their journey is what makes the America the World has come to admire. Please nurture this gift of intelligence and of industry, for all our sakes.
Wonderful story. Nicely done, Thanks for sharing.
Retired HS Machine Shop teacher and RR machinist.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for teaching the young ones!
My father taught me the Tool and Die trade. I’m 66 and still design and build today having been owner of my own shop for 37 years and now working for one of my old customers. I too am Blessed to have been taught this and serving my apprenticeship in my dads tool die shop. He served his apprenticeship at the Pennsylvania Rail Road Juniata Shop.. I could go on and on. I have personally apprenticed 5 men to become Journeyman and have taught more than 40-50 in my career.. a Blessing.. I’d like to say that it’s nice to see a Jack of all Trades here and quite honestly a master of most..great video for all you cnc operators.. we Journeymen are a dying breed… it’s a shame..By the way… one of my best Apprentices name is Jason Miller.. how bout that?
Thanks Paul. The PRR had some awesome shops. Appreciate your thoughts.
Beautiful, an American who made a difference teaching kids machine shop skills
Couldn't agree more! Thank you!
1:55 That Craftsman Tool Chest is the exact same model(s) I have. Used it as a machinist chest for last 35 years or so. Been a machinist my whole life. Started as a tool makers apprentice at 17 making tools and dies for jewelry chain machines. It's provided a descent living over the decades. I suppose this old man forgot more than most will ever know. Good stuff Sir!
Thanks to the incredible Miller family and legacy - Americana at its best.
I'm an engineering technologist I'm jack of all trades and master of electronics, I have enjoyed this video.
More over your family history is very rich I liked your father's picture with your grandmom very beautiful baby boy.
My father way born in 1925 and my date of birth is 1957, I have two sons both are engineers.
Cool, thanks. It was my GRANDFATHER who was the "star" of this video.
I never met my Grandfather on my dadsside and I regret that. But Grandad on Moms side I knew quiet well for many years.
My Dad was a Master Mechanic what he knew and I retired from a very sucessful Garage which he and I owned.
Yes family is where you came from. Mr Miller you are quiet a knowledgeable man. Be blessed at you accomplishments as I am mine.
Thank you for sharing ! I love our history and our ancestors ❤️ they built this country
This is how history should be taught!
You are a fortunate man and what a great legacy you possess. I also have a few tools from my grandpa and from his son, my Uncle Bob a retired tool n die man, that I treasure.
I thank God everyday. And thank you for watching and your kind comment. One cannot have too many tools!
This is the best video I think I have ever watched. I have my grandfathers big ballpeen hammer. I think of him - wielder, farmer, mine worker, 1st generation American - every time I use it.
Amazing video. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Thanks for watching
This is simply fantastic! Among the most tremendous videos I have ever seen.
Thanks Wally!
What a wonderful tribute to a family history of gifted tradesmen. Even down here in Australia we are lamenting the loss of the skilled artisans of the past as we move towards this AI enriched debacle of todays society. As a 16 yr old I secured a trade apprenticeship with the Air Force (RAAF) and instead pursued a career in law enforcement. It has bee my biggest regret. Fortunately I became a Forensic Firearms Specialist and worked closely with the Police Armoury where I met some elderly machinists who were craftsmen in every respect. Now in my retirement I am building up a workshop of machinery and, with the aid of TH-cam, self training myself the skills I once held in awe. I am putting those skills to work restoring classic motorcycles. 'Retiring and going back to work' is the key to longevity in later life, some of the machinists from the armoury still working from home and well into their 80's now. Thankyou Mr Miller for reminding me that even when it all seems overwhelming, we never cease to learn, and giving me another shot in the arm of motivation. 👍
Thank you very much! I have a good friend, Mark Presling, in Australia. He has an EXCELLENT TH-cam channel. I also have a great interest in firearms.
My favorite teacher in high school was Mr. Eugene Pose. The metal shop teacher.